Chronic Hemiplegic Migraines

My wife has these headaches up to 9 times a day. She started these attacks in March this year. Her first attack was just getting out of the car and falling to the ground. Her headache included right side stroke symtoms. The ER thought that she was having a stroke and gave her TPA and sent her to another hospital for care. With these attacks she has a left side headache behing her eye. She can not speak, vision is cloudy with some right side drooping of the face. She also has a right hand tremor. She right side weakness from top to bottom. She has made 6 ER visits since this started and has been in the hospital nearly everytime she goes to the ER. Her attacks start when asleep, about 5am. She has continueous attacks until late afternoon. Her doctor doesn't know what to do for her. She is on several medications including Topamax. They don't seem to work. Sometimes, her memory is a total blank. Her doctor says that these attacks are not hurting her. One thing that I worry about is not knowing if she is having a real stroke. More in another post.

Those attacks sound very scary - for both you and your wife. It really sounds like it is time to see the expert who handles Migraine and headache disorders. That doctor would be a Migraine specialist. You see, while a neurologist may be a fine doctor, it is hard for them to be experts in any...

Those attacks sound very scary - for both you and your wife. It really sounds like it is time to see the expert who handles Migraine and headache disorders. That doctor would be a Migraine specialist. You see, while a neurologist may be a fine doctor, it is hard for them to be experts in any one area because they treat so many different conditions like MS, stroke and epilepsy. A Migraine specialist is just that, an expert who treats one condition - ours - Migraines and headache disorders. When you get a chance, take a look at article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

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I'm 54 years old. I've had increasing problems over the past 5 years, REALLY bad this year. First diagnosed with MS then Epilepsy, now Hemiplegic Migraines just this March. Primary problems have included left side pain and numbness (face, arm, leg), severe muscle cramps, sometimes the migraines and auras, memory and speech problems that lasts...

I'm 54 years old. I've had increasing problems over the past 5 years, REALLY bad this year. First diagnosed with MS then Epilepsy, now Hemiplegic Migraines just this March. Primary problems have included left side pain and numbness (face, arm, leg), severe muscle cramps, sometimes the migraines and auras, memory and speech problems that lasts for weeks after, insomnia, etc. Episodes never seem to go away before another bad one hits. On 4 different meds, now.

Then while trying to understand this disease - Boss at work told me to find a new job, husband & I divorced (after 37 years), and only brother died. All since March!

No family left to speak of just don't know where to turn and concerned that this disease will never stop getting worse. Out on FMLA right now, suppose to go back to work next week, though boss doesn't want me back. Worried about loosing my house and an income going forward. Any ideas folks?

My wife has the same migraines and weakness on her right side. Her HMs started in March of this year. So far the doctors have no clue what to do for her. Her migraines start from sleep everyday. She is now having these attacks six to eight times a day. Some days she wakes and ask where she is. Just the other day she said she didn't know how to turn on the TV...

My wife has the same migraines and weakness on her right side. Her HMs started in March of this year. So far the doctors have no clue what to do for her. Her migraines start from sleep everyday. She is now having these attacks six to eight times a day. Some days she wakes and ask where she is. Just the other day she said she didn't know how to turn on the TV with the remote. Her doctor says she can't work or drive. So far, she has had over 500 attacks since March. She has a hand tremor and face droop with each attack. Her head pain never goes away, it increases with most attacks. Her doctor did tell us that these attacks are not hurting her, i disagree, I see signs everyday that these attacks are doing something to her brain. We were also told that he doesn't know when they might stop, but not last the rest of her life.

I too suffer from them! One word of advice many many ER doctors dont even know what that is. I recently after 53 yrs discovered a 14mm hole in my heart-and it was a study that fixed the hole and altho it was a bit of a pain with diaries appts etc it seems to appear the hemiplegic migraines have almost disappeared! I still get facial drooping and mild headaches...

I too suffer from them! One word of advice many many ER doctors dont even know what that is. I recently after 53 yrs discovered a 14mm hole in my heart-and it was a study that fixed the hole and altho it was a bit of a pain with diaries appts etc it seems to appear the hemiplegic migraines have almost disappeared! I still get facial drooping and mild headaches but nothing like what I had. and btw I was a RN for 27 yrs and treated for chronic headaches cluster classic common and hemiplegic since age 14. Just a suggestion to get "the bubble" test t see if she has ahole there-good luck!